QCell claims to have launched Gambia’s first commercial 5G service.
The mobile provider stated on its website that the high-speed data service is now live in five specific areas - Banjul, Kairaba Avenue, Bakau-Fajara, Senegambia and the Brusubi Turntable square – and can be accessed by supported mobile devices, including handsets by Apple, Huawei and Techno. QCell noted that it is working with partners to expand the range of compatible devices. Additionally, homes and businesses may use customer premises equipment (CPE) or Mi-Fi devices to access 5G fixed broadband services.
The operator claims that its 5G network will enable data speeds of “up to 100 times” those attainable on its 4G LTE network. At the launch ceremony for QCell’s network, the chairman of the Gambian Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) Alieu Ngum stated that the network could achieve peak data upload and download speeds of “over 10Gbps” across “millions” of devices per square kilometre.
QCell has partnered with Huawei West Africa for the deployment of the network. The unit’s general manager Liu Zemin said that launching 5G in Gambia would “promote the development of the digital economy and accelerate digital transformation across the industry.”
